How often do we think to ourselves, “if only someone could help MOTIVATE me!” “Maybe I need a personal trainer and a nutritionist to provide MOTIVATION to keep me on track to become healthier and lose weight?”
There are plenty of good qualified trainers and nutritionists, yet weight problems and health issues continue to plague our society. Why are these professionals unable to provide the MOTIVATION necessary for LONG TERM results?
The problem lies in the supposition that MOTIVATION is an entity found in some external source (ex. the personal trainer or nutritionist) that can be used and/or applied to an individual and achieve a desired LONG TERM outcome.
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THIS IS LIKELY INACCURATE.
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MOTIVATION can only be found within the individual. The trick becomes learning to find its source and tapping into its energy (EMOTION) to unleash its potential. This commonly misunderstood principle also applies to general HEALTH. We see the consumer regularly turning to external sources (ex. prescriptive medications) to create LONG TERM solutions reinforcing the FALSE BELIEF that GOOD HEALTH can be attained almost exclusively by ingesting these drugs.
Trainers and nutritionists (and even doctors) can offer INSPIRATION (defined by Webster as, “something that makes someone WANT to do something or that gives someone an IDEA about what to do or create,“) but are not responsible or even capable of “imposing discipline” on an individual to maintain dynamic change in this evolving healthier lifestyle. This INTERNAL FORCE called MOTIVATION is the ESSENTIAL SOURCE that maintains the “fuel” necessary to discipline oneself over a lifetime.
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Understanding the role that MOTIVATION plays in changing and maintaining a new direction that supports a healthier lifestyle is important. Realizing its source can only be discovered in ONE PLACE (WITHIN THE INDIVIDUAL) will prevent the ongoing search for the EXTERNAL MAGIC BULLET. The individual will no longer be tempted by advertising and marketing ploys that direct consumers to fantasy solutions.
I suggest those in search of REALISTIC LONG TERM SOLUTIONS learn to use the skills and knowledge of EXTERNAL INSPIRATIONAL FACTORS (the trainers, nutritionists, etc…) once the source of motivation is discovered and the individual is willing and ready to follow it.
IT IS ONLY AT THIS POINT THAT LONG TERM SUCCESS IS TRULY ACHIEVABLE!
All About Healthy Choices 
As much as I usually hate to admit it … for me, motivation is a choice. Not something I find – more something I claim and act on.
… the real trick is being motivated to be motivated … err … yeah …
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Finding that driving force within becomes the catalyst that motivates the search for new perspectives and new opportunities. Sometimes figuring out why we’re here provides enough information to get the ball rolling. It is so obvious you’re an intelligent person with a great sense of humor; its a shame impediments block your access to a better life (at this time.) My gut tells me “time” and the willingness to shed some “baggage” just might change your outlook.
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As “dark” as my outlook is at times, it is not as dismal and seemingly hopeless as it has been in the past. This would support the thought that “time and shed baggage” can change things. My decision to take charge of myself has made a difference and I’m sure, “in time” will continue to do so.
The biggest issue remains dealing with those times when the darkness overshadows my recollection of light.
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I’m sure it is difficult, but it sounds like you’ve decided not to let the “darkness” overpower the “light.” As the negativity continues to FAIL to become the dominant leader, you move closer to finding emotional peace.
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Motivation must come from within. It is the key. Needing someone to give us inspiration or motivation is just an excuse.
Good post my friend.
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Surprisingly many people are unaware of this reality and truly search the EXTERNAL world for motivation never to be found. It’s sad, but true.
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I really like this post! I’m all about it(:
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I like your writing, attitude and positivity as well. It will take you far in life.
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Thank you so much!(:
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One of the things my mom found useful was to redirect her motivation from a negative stimulus to a positive one. She replaced emotional eating with a target of purchasing new clothes for herself each time she hit a new weight goal.
Great post, Jonathan!
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Finding “positive” replacements for negative activities and thoughts is a tool that refines one’s thinking. It becomes a natural habit; a purposeful approach to achieving successful outcomes. Your mom’s solution was way ahead of her time!
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Well, she lost about 60 lbs and has kept if off for years. It certainly worked for her.
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Please congratulate her for me. She is in the 5% category that lost that amount of weight and kept it off. I’ll bet she has a strong character and willful disposition (both descriptions stated with positive intentions.)
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I will pass that on! Thanks, Jonathan.
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The best motivation I find is that taking good care of myself has become my passion. When you love what you do you tend to do more of it! 🙂
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…especially if you’re good at it! 🙂 And let’s face it, no one is going to take better care of you than YOU! The one word that repeats itself among all people that enjoy life is PASSION. It is truly a key to a fulfilling life.
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I could not agree with you more! 🙂 🙂 🙂
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That is so true. Motivation and will power only comes from within. Nobody can help you if you aren’t ready to help yourself!
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It sounds like we share the same perspective. I hope people think about this term in a new light to help them realize so many answers can be found within our souls and our hearts.
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Great post! I love the quotes.
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Thank you.
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For me I find the biggest motivator for me is registering for a race you know is going to be very tough and then eating and training properly to prepare yourself for it.
It seems that I always need to have to have something lined up, otherwise I won’t discipline myself. Winter is the worst for me in Canada there is not many races. I do get lax, but that needs to change.
Great quotes, thanks for sharing! 🙂
~Carl~
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Sometimes broadening the goal helps achieve a deeper more meaningful level of motivation. For example, a race provides the means to achieving a goal, however, once the race concludes you need to find another source of motivation. If the goal was (for example) to never need prescription medication, it provides an ongoing source of motivation requiring a greater commitment to lifestyle and a greater commitment to SELF.
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This is a very good point. Thank you for this! 🙂
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I love your posts and your no nonsense straight to the point style!
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Thank you for taking your time to read my posts. I do believe in being diplomatic, but I don’t believe in “sugar coating.” If people want to learn what it takes to modify their lifestyles to the point of truly achieving benefits, they must first be willing to accept reality by facing the truth.
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Yes…you are never tactless but you definitely make your points. I used to work with special needs kids and it was the same thing…you had to come right out and say things but there was no need to be nasty (which you never are). We don’t do people any favors by “sugar coating.”
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Motivation truly does come from within. My brother (18 months younger than I ) and I wonder why we both stay fit and MOVE and exercise every day. We didn’t grow up that way. We don’t know the answer, but we’re so proud of each other! 🙂
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The body innately functions to maintain optimal performance. When we interfere with this natural process, we suffer the physical, mental and emotional consequences. Both you and your brother tapped into this process and have been rewarded with the benefits.
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So TRUE! Motivation comes from within, I try to set a worthy one first thing each morning before putting my feet on the floor. By being kind to ourselves we become more able to be kind to others.
Good health and world peace start within!
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Stated beautifully.
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love your posts doc.
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Thank you. Just trying to offer realistic approaches to healthy changes while providing important information many are never exposed to. Hopefully, my posts are like potato chips; you can’t eat (read) just one! 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend.
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Just the post I needed! Well done!
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So glad the timing was right. I wish you much joy, happiness and success on your journey!
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Thank you I needed to read this…I am having trouble staying motivated…but I am keeping at it…thanks for the great post…..kat
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“Keeping at it,” is the attitude that leads to accomplishments. It doesn’t mean we like the requirements; it means we are willing to recognize the NECESSITY of the requirements and the BENEFITS ACHIEVED by following them. The FOCUS should not be on the “pain” experienced in performing an “unwanted activity” (ex. healthy eating, exercise, drinking water, etc…) but rather the “pleasure” one experiences in their quality of life as a result of completing these “unwanted tasks.”
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thanks….and it does start to get easier, the rebel backs off in me and I start to act like an adult and not a child again…LOL I just wish I understood why its so much easier to be naughty than good…well at least for me….LOL
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Its the little things in life that can motivate us. Like a walk in a park or a glass of water in the morning? Nice work 🙂
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Each person must find within themselves that which helps motivate positive thinking, attitude and ACTION. For some it is small things; for others the magnitude is greater. In the end, we must decide for ourselves whether we want a life of quality and what we are willing to do to achieve it.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
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Yeah I believe it all starts in the mind. What we have to do is be patient and remember good results don’t come instant. Too many people give up because they don’t see instant results. Positive thinking will keep you on the right path. Love this blog. Also love the don’t wish for it, work for it picture.
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Sounds like we share a similar message. Hopefully people will benefit from our efforts.
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Great post! ! I also know from my own experience is that results and what you achieve is what motivates you. I saw a comment that said that it comes out of passion which I totally agree but for e.g. I also see and know people who work in a job they don’t like but they get paid good which gives keeps them motivated or they get a bonus. Same thing is when you are on a diet, just the result of losing weight keeps you motivated: means motivation comes always from seeing results.
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I think there are different levels of motivation. Initial weight loss, a bonus or raise in a less than satisfying job seems to offer a TEMPORARY motivation. Long term motivation comes from real passion; real purpose we discover within ourselves. As you state, this type of motivation produces results!
Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on this article.
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[…] via MOTIVATION — All About Healthy Choices […]
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Loved you post! Love to share motivational tips too, and it is a real pleasure to find the person I have so much in common with! Thanks, and the best luck!!
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Glad you enjoyed the post. I visited your site as well and see you offer excellent health suggestions as well. Keep up the good work.
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This is so true. People often mistake inspiration for motivation. Inspiration may plant an idea, but if that idea is not nurtured and focused on to literally change your mind, that idea will simply disappear.
I have met a number of inspiration addicts. People who go to the same seminars and events over and over because it makes them feel good… yet fail to realise the part that prevents them from taking action. Them.
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Well said. People often get in their own way!
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Great motivation post, for when motivation is needed!
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I appreciate your comment and glad you enjoyed the post.
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I did a lot! 😊😊
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Resonates with me 100% – motivation is way overrated. Think I’ll write about this myself soon. Thanks for writing this!
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love your work man. check my page out for free value @secret2living
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